Description
In the year 180, the death of emperor Marcus Aurelius throws the Roman Empire into chaos. Maximus is one of the Roman army's most capable and trusted generals and a key advisor to the emperor. As Marcus' devious son Commodus ascends to the throne, Maximus is set to be executed. He escapes, but is captured by slave traders. Renamed Spaniard and forced to become a gladiator, Maximus must battle to the death with other men for the amusement of paying audiences.
imagine my surprise when, at the age of 20, I discovered that there was a director's version where the actions of the main characters and the course of Caesar's intrigues were revealed more widely. and, of course, I loved this movie even more.
although there is no complexity of the plot in it, the historicity is very controversial, a high-flown and almost naive result - but, God, how delicious and superbly served it is. one job on the sets and costumes is worth it, not to mention the great acting of all the actors. and yes, this film was the last for Oliver Reed, who played Proximo.